The Schengen Area expands as Bulgaria and Romania officially join the ID check-free travel zone, marking the end of years of negotiation and efforts by the Eastern European countries. The land borders between Bulgaria and Romania and their neighboring EU-member countries no longer require identification checks, allowing travelers free access to the rest of the EU bloc. The two countries had partially joined the Schengen area in March, with open travel restricted to those arriving by air or sea. Ceremonies were held at border crossings to mark the opening of the frontier, symbolizing the culmination of the integration process.
The integration of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen area comes after efforts by Hungary’s government during its six-month rotating presidency of the EU. The expansion aims to strengthen links between countries and regions, particularly benefiting the 1 million ethnic Hungarians living in Romania’s Transylvania region. Historically rocky relations between Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary are expected to improve with the opening of the borders, facilitating easier travel and enhancing cooperation among the countries.
Established in 1985 by five EU countries, the Schengen Area has grown to become the largest free travel area in the world. Despite its achievements, some member countries have reinstated land border checks over concerns related to migration and security, prompting warnings from EU officials about the potential impact on the zone’s goals. Before the full admission of Bulgaria and Romania, Schengen consisted of 23 out of the 27 EU member countries, along with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, with millions of people crossing internal borders daily.
The partial admission of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen area came after years of delay, with land border checks remaining in place due to opposition from countries like Austria. Concerns were raised about the two countries’ efforts to prevent unauthorized migration, leading to restrictions on land border travel. However, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis hailed the full membership as a “natural and necessary step” that will reduce wait times at borders, lower logistical costs for businesses, and attract foreign investors. Economists also predict positive financial effects for Bulgaria after joining the borderless zone.
The integration of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen Area is expected to have significant economic and social benefits for both countries, facilitating trade, tourism, and cooperation among EU member states. The opening of borders will reduce barriers to travel and promote closer ties between Eastern European countries and the rest of the EU bloc. As the largest free travel area in the world, the Schengen zone continues to play a vital role in promoting unity and collaboration among European nations. Bulgaria and Romania’s full membership marks a milestone in the European project and signals a step forward in the integration process within the EU.
